Abstract
Preclinical models of diabetic retinopathy are indispensable in the drug discovery and development of new therapies. They are, however, imperfect facsimiles of diabetic retinopathy in humans. This chapter discusses the advantages, limitations, and physiological and pathological relevance of preclinical models of diabetic retinopathy. The judicious interpretation and extrapolation of data derived from these models to humans and a correspondingly greater emphasis placed on translational medical research in early-stage clinical trials are essential to more successfully inhibit the development and progression of diabetic retinopathy in the future.